Biennale
Host: Mike Whitney
Founded in 1973, the Biennale of Sydney is ranked today as one of the world’s leading international festivals of contemporary art. Presented free to the public every two years over a twelve-week period, the exhibitions have showcased more than 1250 artists from over 60 countries.
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As Australia’s largest and best attended contemporary visual arts event (316,000 visits in 2006), the festival is renowned for hosting dynamic Opening and Closing Weeks.
Billed this year as a celebration of the defiant spirit, the exhibition will bring together some of the most revolutionary artists the world has ever known alongside the shining stars of today. The theme of the 16th Biennale, Revolutions – Forms That Turn, suggests the impulse to revolt, a desire for change, and seeing the world differently. Many works in this year’s exhibition will be participatory, encouraging people to step inside art and discover new ways of looking and thinking about life today. Movement is a strong feature – works turn, spin, reverse, mirror, make noise and even blow up.
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The 2008 Biennale of Sydney is presented at some of Sydney’s finest harbour side sites and visitors can take the Biennale ArtWalk from venue to venue along the water’s edge. For the first time there are exhibits at Cockatoo Island. Pier 2/3 in Walsh Bay, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Art Gallery of New South Wales and Artspace are also venues for Biennale. Artists’ talks, performances (including a new work at the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall), a symposium, film screenings and family events will keep visitors engaged, delighted and challenged throughout the festival.
Mystery Tour @ Cockatoo Island
There are 35 works of art on Cockatoo Island and they are scattered throughout the buildings on the island. You can go there yourself and just wander around and look at the art or you can take the free mystery tour.
The tours last for 1 hour and each one takes in different works of art chosen personally by the guide. If the tour guide is an artist then the tour will also feature their specific works of art, so you’ll be able to hear about their inspiration and how they created it.
The tours are free and they will be held every Saturday at 11.30am between 5th July and 6th September. Numbers are limited, so bookings are essential.
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Kids Art Treasure Hunt @ Cockatoo Island
The treasure hunt is free for all kids on arrival at Cockatoo Island. It’s available every day from July to September. The kids have to follow the trail and find the clues that lead them on a hunt for specially chosen artworks found on Cockatoo Island.
Free Ferry Service
A free ferry service leaves hourly every day during the Biennale from 9.45am to 4.45pm. Ferries leave from Commissioners Steps, outside the Museum of Contemporary Art and head across to Pier 2/3 at Walsh Bay and then Cockatoo Island.
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Over 80’s Punk Band @ MCA
Every day during Biennale there will be an over 80’s punk band performing in the foyer of the MCA, effectively transforming a gallery space into a band drop-in centre.
The band is called No Future and is a work created by Christoph Buchel - a Swiss artist known for his conceptual projects.
Simmer on the Bay
This café is located on Pier 2/3, which is part of the Biennale. You’ll find art installations here as well. The cafe's menu has been created by renowned Sydney chef and author, Brigid Kennedy. It’s a great place to stop for a weekend breakfast or lunch if you’re doing the Biennale Artwalk.
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More Information Biennale The Biennale is on now until Sunday 7th September, 2008. |
Prices correct as at 12/07/08